Teacher Union Prez: Stronger Emergency Financial Managers Will Be "Just Like Being in the Slave Days" [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"During a Tuesday union rally in Lansing against abill that would give new powers toappointed emergency managers, the president of a state teachers’ unioncompared the legislation to slavery.
'It'sagain a way to say to labor, ‘you don't count,’” said Iris Salters,president of the Michigan Education Association. “It's a way to say to employees: ‘get back.’
I believe it's just like being in the slave days.”"
Friday, March 11, 2011
Best Esquire Magazine Stories
Best Esquire Magazine Stories - Top Articles in History of Journalism - Esquire
"The 7 Greatest Stories in the History of Esquire Magazine... in Full"
"The 7 Greatest Stories in the History of Esquire Magazine... in Full"
Thursday, March 10, 2011
O’Keefe releases another NPR video
O’Keefe releases another NPR video - On Media - POLITICO.com
"The video shows Liley telling a member of the fake Muslim charity that NPR could, by accepting the proposed $5 million gift anonymously, shield the charity from a government audit of NPR's books.
“[The government has] audited our program, at times, and they have, I think as part of that, they have looked at our audited financials,” she tells the undercover activist by phone.
“If you were concerned in any way about that, that’s one reason that you may want to be an anonymous donor. And we would certainly, if that was your interest, want to shield you from that.”"
"The video shows Liley telling a member of the fake Muslim charity that NPR could, by accepting the proposed $5 million gift anonymously, shield the charity from a government audit of NPR's books.
“[The government has] audited our program, at times, and they have, I think as part of that, they have looked at our audited financials,” she tells the undercover activist by phone.
“If you were concerned in any way about that, that’s one reason that you may want to be an anonymous donor. And we would certainly, if that was your interest, want to shield you from that.”"
Planned Parenthood's 'Truth Tour' Does Not Mention the 332,278 Abortions It Performed in 2009
Planned Parenthood's 'Truth Tour' Does Not Mention the 332,278 Abortions It Performed in 2009 CNSnews.com
"In 2009, Planned Parenthood clinics performed 332,278 abortions, according to a fact sheet on the group’s Web site.
Also, in fiscal year 2008-2009, Planned Parenthood received more than $363 million in government grants and contracts, including federal taxpayer dollars through Title X family planning provisions."
"In 2009, Planned Parenthood clinics performed 332,278 abortions, according to a fact sheet on the group’s Web site.
Also, in fiscal year 2008-2009, Planned Parenthood received more than $363 million in government grants and contracts, including federal taxpayer dollars through Title X family planning provisions."
Michigan Town Is Divided Over Charges of Child Pornography
Michigan Town Is Divided Over Charges of Child Pornography - NYTimes.com
"People in this economically pressed town near Lake Michigan are divided into two camps:
Those who think Evan Emory should pay hard for what he did, and those who think he should be let off easy."
"People in this economically pressed town near Lake Michigan are divided into two camps:
Those who think Evan Emory should pay hard for what he did, and those who think he should be let off easy."
Fantasies From Obama & the Environmental Lobby
RealClearPolitics - Fantasies From Obama & the Environmental Lobby
"'The Myth of Green Energy Jobs: The European Experience,' the environmental scientist and a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute writes, 'Green programs in Spain destroyed 2.2 jobs for every green job created, while the capital needed for one green job in Italy could create almost five jobs in the general economy.'"
"'The Myth of Green Energy Jobs: The European Experience,' the environmental scientist and a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute writes, 'Green programs in Spain destroyed 2.2 jobs for every green job created, while the capital needed for one green job in Italy could create almost five jobs in the general economy.'"
Welfare State: Handouts Make Up One-Third of U.S. Wages
CNBC's Fast Money: Welfare State: Handouts Make Up One-Third of U.S. Wages - CNBC
"Government payouts—including Social Security, Medicare and unemployment insurance—make up more than a third of total wages and salaries of the U.S. population, a record figure that will only increase if action isn’t taken before the majority of Baby Boomers enter retirement"
"Government payouts—including Social Security, Medicare and unemployment insurance—make up more than a third of total wages and salaries of the U.S. population, a record figure that will only increase if action isn’t taken before the majority of Baby Boomers enter retirement"
The Diane Rehm Show from NPR-Interesting
So, the "unbiased" NPR talking heads tell us (with their own words!) that those against the liberal NPR/PBS are republicans/conservatives and those who support the "unbiased" NPR/PBS are democrat/progressives.
The great unwashed can detect political bias, left or right, but those getting public money and lecturing to us can't see even a tiny bit of bias.
Defund those liars and fools!
NPR's CEO Resigns The Diane Rehm Show from WAMU and NPR
: "Well, you can easily see that the people who want to cut the funding are Republicans. The people who have always wanted to maintain it are Democrats. You can draw your own conclusion from that."
The great unwashed can detect political bias, left or right, but those getting public money and lecturing to us can't see even a tiny bit of bias.
Defund those liars and fools!
NPR's CEO Resigns The Diane Rehm Show from WAMU and NPR
: "Well, you can easily see that the people who want to cut the funding are Republicans. The people who have always wanted to maintain it are Democrats. You can draw your own conclusion from that."
GLADSTONE
11:51:50
...we have completely lost our raison d'etre, if that's the case. And we will continue reporting as we've always reported. We really have no choice. That's our brief. NPR has to continue reporting the way it's always reported. Let's face it. It's been on the chopping block, public broadcasting, since the '70s, since it first started doing the Watergate hearings. This is a political issue. It's not a financial issue. It will always be a touchy issue in Congress and there will be an opportunity every time there is Republican majority to cut it. On Friday, Senators Jim DeMint and Tom Coburn introduced legislation to cut it, to follow the Republican house and so it goes. I can't change what we do. I mean, there's no reason to exist if my existence is threatened by the political environment.
REHM
11:52:42
And, Paul Farhi, do you agree with Brooke Gladstone that this is more political than financial?
FARHI
11:52:53
Well, you can easily see that the people who want to cut the funding are Republicans. The people who have always wanted to maintain it are Democrats. You can draw your own conclusion from that. Listen, it's also a symbolic cultural issue here. There's a feeling that NPR, PBS are elitists. They appeal to an elite audience. That's not really true, but that's always the way this has been cast, going back to the mid '90s with Newt Gingrich and zeroing out public broadcasting. So political and cultural, it's a wedge issue, it's one of those issues in which you can define us and them. And Conservatives have used it very effectively for a very long time.
Union Power Comes in Many Forms
Union Power Comes in Many Forms by Steven Malanga - City Journal
"New York’s labor-friendly arbitration rules spread to New Jersey, where an arbitration law encourages mediators to take into consideration the salaries that other towns pay public workers.
This means that if the unions in just one well-off town negotiate a favorable deal, unions in other towns promptly make steep demands that they know won’t be met at the bargaining table—and then go to arbitration, where they’ll get a more sympathetic hearing.
The head of New Jersey’s League of Municipalities called the process a “budget buster,” and Governor Chris Christie agreed."
"New York’s labor-friendly arbitration rules spread to New Jersey, where an arbitration law encourages mediators to take into consideration the salaries that other towns pay public workers.
This means that if the unions in just one well-off town negotiate a favorable deal, unions in other towns promptly make steep demands that they know won’t be met at the bargaining table—and then go to arbitration, where they’ll get a more sympathetic hearing.
The head of New Jersey’s League of Municipalities called the process a “budget buster,” and Governor Chris Christie agreed."
NPR hates you
EDITORIAL: NPR hates you - Washington Times
"Are you a white, middle class, gun-owning, church-going conservative?
Then NPR hates you."
"Are you a white, middle class, gun-owning, church-going conservative?
Then NPR hates you."
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Kan. House panel endorses cut in public pensions
Kan. House panel endorses cut in public pensions - CNBC
"A Kansas House committee endorsed a bill Wednesday that would cut future retirement benefits for current teachers and government workers to help solve the long-term funding woes of their pension system."
"A Kansas House committee endorsed a bill Wednesday that would cut future retirement benefits for current teachers and government workers to help solve the long-term funding woes of their pension system."
When Unions Win Mob Rule Follows and Taxpayers Lose
When Unions Win Mob Rule Follows and Taxpayers Lose
"Labor unions created, in their own minds, a to “be there” scenario for the worker when needed to fight against those dreaded, filthy rich corporate tycoons who do nothing but try to steal the workers’ paychecks and put the money back into their own treasuries.
Labor unions, on the other hand, are continually harassing and cajoling the workers for larger and larger shares of the workers’ paychecks to build up what they tell the workers are “rainy day” funds; but for whom?
And after the largest share of the dues money gets paid out to socialist-liberal-Democrats for their reelection campaigns, guess where the balance goes???
Ever notice how many labor union meetings in sunny climes take place during the winter months in lavish and lush hotels?"
"Labor unions created, in their own minds, a to “be there” scenario for the worker when needed to fight against those dreaded, filthy rich corporate tycoons who do nothing but try to steal the workers’ paychecks and put the money back into their own treasuries.
Labor unions, on the other hand, are continually harassing and cajoling the workers for larger and larger shares of the workers’ paychecks to build up what they tell the workers are “rainy day” funds; but for whom?
And after the largest share of the dues money gets paid out to socialist-liberal-Democrats for their reelection campaigns, guess where the balance goes???
Ever notice how many labor union meetings in sunny climes take place during the winter months in lavish and lush hotels?"
Newsradio 620 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin News, Talk, Sports, Weather | Charlie Sykes
Newsradio 620 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin News, Talk, Sports, Weather Charlie Sykes
Just grab a drink, click on this site and see evil we must fight if our children and grand children will ever have a chance at the life we Americans now enjoy.
Just grab a drink, click on this site and see evil we must fight if our children and grand children will ever have a chance at the life we Americans now enjoy.
Undercover sting catches NPR talking about Obama birth story
Undercover sting catches NPR talking about Obama birth story
"'So it's more complicated than saying, 'Where was Obama born?
In Hawaii or not?
Is he an American citizen or not?'' she explains.
'There's still a question about whether he is and that is a fact,' she said.
'But I think the challenge in our society now is questioning facts.
It's not opinions that we're debating.
It's what are the facts?
Is the world flat?
I mean is that the next question we're going to debate?'"
"'So it's more complicated than saying, 'Where was Obama born?
In Hawaii or not?
Is he an American citizen or not?'' she explains.
'There's still a question about whether he is and that is a fact,' she said.
'But I think the challenge in our society now is questioning facts.
It's not opinions that we're debating.
It's what are the facts?
Is the world flat?
I mean is that the next question we're going to debate?'"
Al Jazeera - Children's Network | Al Jazeera For Kids
Al Jazeera - Children's Network Al Jazeera For Kids Saladin Mediaite
"The thinking goes this way: it’s been tough for Al Jazeera to find a home on American cable television.
So why not try a new approach? Kid’s programming.
Because if cable operators object to offering viewers exposure to Al Jazeera’s news, they’ll probably jump at the chance to provide those viewers Al Jaz for Kids!"
"The thinking goes this way: it’s been tough for Al Jazeera to find a home on American cable television.
So why not try a new approach? Kid’s programming.
Because if cable operators object to offering viewers exposure to Al Jazeera’s news, they’ll probably jump at the chance to provide those viewers Al Jaz for Kids!"
Obama Draws Fire for Proposing New Education Agency to Develop Classroom Gadgets
Obama Draws Fire for Proposing New Education Agency to Develop Classroom Gadgets - FoxNews.com
"In the middle of a tense debate on Capitol Hill over spending cuts, the White House outlined its vision Tuesday for a new Education Department agency that -- at a cost of $90 million the first year -- would give companies money to craft high-tech gadgets for the classroom."
"In the middle of a tense debate on Capitol Hill over spending cuts, the White House outlined its vision Tuesday for a new Education Department agency that -- at a cost of $90 million the first year -- would give companies money to craft high-tech gadgets for the classroom."
Union deals to cost $415 million
http://tinyurl.com/6g7abp9
Union contracts negotiated in recent months will mean additional wages and benefits for all state employees would cost $415 million over the next two years, state budget officials said Tuesday.
"That's huge," said David Roederer, budget chief for Gov. Terry Branstad, a Republican.
One labor union contract for a 6 percent wage increase over two years, approved by former Gov. Chet Culver, a Democrat, without a counteroffer, set in motion identical increases for the state's four other union contracts, state officials said.
Union contracts negotiated in recent months will mean additional wages and benefits for all state employees would cost $415 million over the next two years, state budget officials said Tuesday.
"That's huge," said David Roederer, budget chief for Gov. Terry Branstad, a Republican.
One labor union contract for a 6 percent wage increase over two years, approved by former Gov. Chet Culver, a Democrat, without a counteroffer, set in motion identical increases for the state's four other union contracts, state officials said.
Liberal Muslims
Liberal Muslims White House Muslim Brotherhood The Daily Caller
“We don’t have any contacts in the administration,” said Avi Zonneveld, founder of Muslims for Progressive Values, based in Los Angeles.
“The Canadian government is much more accessible,” she said.
“We don’t have any contacts in the administration,” said Avi Zonneveld, founder of Muslims for Progressive Values, based in Los Angeles.
“The Canadian government is much more accessible,” she said.
Confiscate Americans' Wealth to Pay Government Workers?
American Thinker: Confiscate Americans' Wealth to Pay Government Workers?
"Using the latest statistics from the IRS, in 2004 there were 2.7 million adults with a net worth above $1.5 million.
If the government were to seize all the wealth above the $1.5 million threshold, Washington would realize a one-time windfall of $4.0 Trillion -- and no one would again attempt to accumulate wealth.
Assuming it was applied to the national debt (unlikely with the Left in charge as they would spend it) the national debt would only be reduced from$14.5 Trillion to $10.0 Trillion."
"Using the latest statistics from the IRS, in 2004 there were 2.7 million adults with a net worth above $1.5 million.
If the government were to seize all the wealth above the $1.5 million threshold, Washington would realize a one-time windfall of $4.0 Trillion -- and no one would again attempt to accumulate wealth.
Assuming it was applied to the national debt (unlikely with the Left in charge as they would spend it) the national debt would only be reduced from$14.5 Trillion to $10.0 Trillion."
Union thugs try to silence recall effort in Wisconsin
American Thinker Blog: Union thugs try to silence recall effort in Wisconsin
"Union members representing teachers, firefighters and teamsters had assembled and taken up strategic positions in order to achieve maximum visibility and restrict access by blocking entrances and filling available parking areas.
The highly organized union mob waved their mass produced signs and periodically deployed at entrances to create a human barrier when vehicles dared to breech their lines, quickly melting back into the crowd after convincing the vehicle’s occupants to leave.
Lacking any sense of shame and parenting skills, many of the union agitators brought their young children to help fortify their human barricades. The well trained mercenaries were careful to avoid the sort of physical violence that once accompanied the Obamacare town hall meetings."
"Union members representing teachers, firefighters and teamsters had assembled and taken up strategic positions in order to achieve maximum visibility and restrict access by blocking entrances and filling available parking areas.
The highly organized union mob waved their mass produced signs and periodically deployed at entrances to create a human barrier when vehicles dared to breech their lines, quickly melting back into the crowd after convincing the vehicle’s occupants to leave.
Lacking any sense of shame and parenting skills, many of the union agitators brought their young children to help fortify their human barricades. The well trained mercenaries were careful to avoid the sort of physical violence that once accompanied the Obamacare town hall meetings."
Idaho bill would take away power of teachers union
Idaho bill would take away power of teachers union - FoxNews.com
"A bill that would phase out tenure for new teachers and restrict collective bargaining on their salaries and benefits is on its way to the Idaho governor."
"A bill that would phase out tenure for new teachers and restrict collective bargaining on their salaries and benefits is on its way to the Idaho governor."
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Mansion for Lockerbie bomber
Mansion for Lockerbie bomber - The Scotsman
"OPPOSITION politicians in Scotland were angered over reports that the Lockerbie bomber is having a three-storey house built for him in Tripoli, which he visits in a chaffeur-driven Lamborghini."
"OPPOSITION politicians in Scotland were angered over reports that the Lockerbie bomber is having a three-storey house built for him in Tripoli, which he visits in a chaffeur-driven Lamborghini."
Republicans introduce bill to give workers a choice on joining unions
Republicans introduce bill to give workers a choice on joining unions - The Hill's On The Money
"Eight Republican Senators introduced a bill Tuesday giving workers a choice as to whether to join labor unions, which they argue will boost the nation's economy and provide an increase in wages."
Real change we could believe in ...if only those GOPers would really fight it out to the end......
"Eight Republican Senators introduced a bill Tuesday giving workers a choice as to whether to join labor unions, which they argue will boost the nation's economy and provide an increase in wages."
Real change we could believe in ...if only those GOPers would really fight it out to the end......
S.E.C. Chairwoman’s Ethics Under Fire
S.E.C. Chairwoman’s Ethics Under Fire - NYTimes.com
"The revelations about Mr. Becker’s role have raised fresh questions about ethical standards and practices at the agency, where Mary L. Schapiro was brought in as chairwoman two years ago with a mandate to strengthen its enforcement unit.
Ms. Schapiro will appear before Congress on Thursday to discuss the matter."
"The revelations about Mr. Becker’s role have raised fresh questions about ethical standards and practices at the agency, where Mary L. Schapiro was brought in as chairwoman two years ago with a mandate to strengthen its enforcement unit.
Ms. Schapiro will appear before Congress on Thursday to discuss the matter."
Obama: "More Money" Is Needed For Education Reform
RealClearPolitics - Video - Obama: "More Money" Is Needed For Education Reform
"'People started to realize what is needed is not either, or -- not either more money or more reform, it's both and. Both more money and more reform,' President Obama said at a technology school in Boston on Tuesday."
"'People started to realize what is needed is not either, or -- not either more money or more reform, it's both and. Both more money and more reform,' President Obama said at a technology school in Boston on Tuesday."
Calculate Your Nitrogen Footprint
Calculate Your Nitrogen Footprint - NBC29
"Your eating habits can make quite an impact on the environment.
Producing and consuming food is one of the major contributors to nitrogen pollution.
A scientist at the University of Virginia has created a new web-based tool that measures your nitrogen footprint so you can take steps to reduce it."
Your tax dollars at work.......
"Your eating habits can make quite an impact on the environment.
Producing and consuming food is one of the major contributors to nitrogen pollution.
A scientist at the University of Virginia has created a new web-based tool that measures your nitrogen footprint so you can take steps to reduce it."
Your tax dollars at work.......
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING = $ FOR NOTHING
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING = $ FOR NOTHING Newsradio 620 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin News, Talk, Sports, Weather Charlie Sykes
More from the governor's office:
1.Employer must provide bulletin boards to post information about union social and recreational activities. The size and location of the board is subject to collective bargaining.
2. When a local union meets the following conditions are subject to bargaining:
1. lighting
2. vision care and examinations,
3. noise,
4. chairs,
5. desks,
6. footrests,
7. adjustable terminals and keyboards,
8. work environment design (wall cover, carpet, windows),
9. room temperature,
3.Starting of vehicles during cold weather is subject to collective bargaining.
4.Paid time off to donate blood.
Earlier today, Governor Walker’s office released some specific examples and new details to show how collective bargaining fiscally impacts government and how reforming collective bargaining can improve government.
A Year’s Worth of Pay for 30 Days of Work
Under the Green Bay School District’s collectively bargained Emeritus Program, teaches can retire and receive a year’s worth of salary for working only 30 days over a three year period.
This is paid in addition to their already guaranteed pension and health care payouts.
At the average annual salary for a Green Bay teacher of $51,355, this amounts to a daily rate of pay of $1,711.83, or an hourly rate of $213.98. Since most retiring teachers receive higher than average salary, these amounts are, in practice, much higher.
Source: WLUK-TV, 3/3/11
Teachers Receiving Two Pensions
Due to a 1982 provision of their collective bargaining agreement, Milwaukee Public School teachers actually receive two pensions upon retirement instead of one.
The contribution to the second pension is equal to 4.2% of a teacher’s salary, with the school district making 100% of the contribution, just like they do for the first pension.
This extra benefit costs taxpayers more than $16 million per year.
Source: February 17, 2010 Press Release, Process of developing FY11 budget begins Milwaukee Public Schools
Almost $10,000 Per Year for Doing Nothing
While the Green Bay Emeritus Program actually requires teachers to at least show up for work, the Madison Emeritus Program doesn’t even require that.
In addition to their pension payouts, retired Madison public school teachers receive annual payments of at least $9,884.18 per year for enrolling in the Emeritus Program, which requires ZERO days of work.
When this program began, 20 days of work per year were required.
Through collective bargaining, the union successfully negotiated this down to zero days.
Source: Madison Teachers Inc. Website
More from the governor's office:
1.Employer must provide bulletin boards to post information about union social and recreational activities. The size and location of the board is subject to collective bargaining.
2. When a local union meets the following conditions are subject to bargaining:
1. lighting
2. vision care and examinations,
3. noise,
4. chairs,
5. desks,
6. footrests,
7. adjustable terminals and keyboards,
8. work environment design (wall cover, carpet, windows),
9. room temperature,
3.Starting of vehicles during cold weather is subject to collective bargaining.
4.Paid time off to donate blood.
Earlier today, Governor Walker’s office released some specific examples and new details to show how collective bargaining fiscally impacts government and how reforming collective bargaining can improve government.
A Year’s Worth of Pay for 30 Days of Work
Under the Green Bay School District’s collectively bargained Emeritus Program, teaches can retire and receive a year’s worth of salary for working only 30 days over a three year period.
This is paid in addition to their already guaranteed pension and health care payouts.
At the average annual salary for a Green Bay teacher of $51,355, this amounts to a daily rate of pay of $1,711.83, or an hourly rate of $213.98. Since most retiring teachers receive higher than average salary, these amounts are, in practice, much higher.
Source: WLUK-TV, 3/3/11
Teachers Receiving Two Pensions
Due to a 1982 provision of their collective bargaining agreement, Milwaukee Public School teachers actually receive two pensions upon retirement instead of one.
The contribution to the second pension is equal to 4.2% of a teacher’s salary, with the school district making 100% of the contribution, just like they do for the first pension.
This extra benefit costs taxpayers more than $16 million per year.
Source: February 17, 2010 Press Release, Process of developing FY11 budget begins Milwaukee Public Schools
Almost $10,000 Per Year for Doing Nothing
While the Green Bay Emeritus Program actually requires teachers to at least show up for work, the Madison Emeritus Program doesn’t even require that.
In addition to their pension payouts, retired Madison public school teachers receive annual payments of at least $9,884.18 per year for enrolling in the Emeritus Program, which requires ZERO days of work.
When this program began, 20 days of work per year were required.
Through collective bargaining, the union successfully negotiated this down to zero days.
Source: Madison Teachers Inc. Website
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